Correct answer: (b) Moradabad
Explanation
- A
Kota
Option (a) claims Kota is the second most noise-polluted city globally according to the report. However, Kota is not ranked second in this specific UNEP report. Therefore, this option is incorrect.
- B
Moradabad
Option (b) claims Moradabad is the second most noise-polluted city in the world. The UNEP Frontiers Report 2022 recorded noise levels of 114 decibels in Moradabad, placing it right behind Dhaka. This makes it the key option.
- C
Indore
Option (c) claims Indore holds the second rank for global noise pollution in the report. While Indore is prominent in cleanliness rankings, it is not the second most noise-polluted city here. Thus, this option is wrong.
- D
Patna
Option (d) claims Patna is the second most noise-polluted city globally. Patna does feature high noise levels in Indian studies, but it is not ranked second worldwide by the UNEP. Hence, this option is incorrect.
Summary. Official key is (b) Moradabad. The annual Frontier Report 2022 published by the United Nations Environment Programme identified cities with extreme noise pollution levels. Moradabad in Uttar Pradesh recorded 114 decibels, securing the second position globally. Dhaka, Bangladesh, topped the list with 119 decibels. Other Indian cities like Asansol, Jaipur, and Delhi also featured high on the noise index. Thus, only option (b) correctly identifies the second most noise-polluted city.